"Pig" - what is it, definition of the term
The domestic swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) is a mammalian farm animal distinguished by a stocky body, coarse hairless skin, and a flexible snout used for rooting; it possesses omnivorous dietary habits, rapid growth rates, and high reproductive capacity, and it is cultivated worldwide for meat, leather, and various by‑products.
Detailed information
Domestic swine are large, omnivorous mammals commonly raised for meat production. Their anatomy includes a robust skeletal structure, a digestive system adapted to ferment fibrous plant material, and a skin surface that supports various ectoparasites.
Ticks attach to the animal’s hide, embed their mouthparts, and ingest blood. Infestations can transmit bacterial agents such as Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp. Control measures include regular inspection, acaricide application, and pasture rotation to reduce tick habitats.
Bugs, specifically hematophagous insects like the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), feed on swine blood, causing irritation and potential secondary infections. Management relies on insecticide-treated nets, environmental sanitation, and trapping devices to limit adult fly populations.
Lice represent permanent ectoparasites that reside on the hair coat, feeding on skin secretions. Species such as Haematopinus suis can lead to anemia and skin lesions. Effective treatment involves topical insecticidal preparations and thorough grooming to remove nits.
Fleas, though less common on swine, may infest animals kept in mixed-species environments. Species like Ctenocephalides felis can act as mechanical vectors for pathogens. Integrated pest management—combining chemical control, regular cleaning, and removal of animal bedding—reduces flea presence.
Key preventive strategies for all listed parasites include:
- Routine health examinations
- Maintenance of clean housing conditions
- Scheduled application of approved ectoparasiticides
- Monitoring of surrounding wildlife and insect vectors
Implementing these practices minimizes parasite burden, protects animal welfare, and sustains productive performance.